What SORN means
A SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) tells the DVLA your car is off the road. Because of this, the car doesn't need tax or insurance. It must then stay off public roads until you tax it again.
If the car you're buying is on SORN, you'll need to tax it before you drive it. Tax doesn't transfer to a new keeper, so the car won't come with it. Check before you agree a price. Our free car check shows tax status and MOT history by registration.
Keep these in mind: - A SORN car must stay off public roads, even for a short trip. - Taxing it is what lets it go back on the road. - Speak to your insurer before you drive it again, and check with the DVLA if you're unsure of its SORN status.
When to make a SORN
Make a SORN when your car will sit off the road. Typical cases are a car in storage, a project car that won't be driven for months, or a car you're keeping during a gap in use. While it's off the road, you don't pay tax or insurance, but it must stay off public roads until you tax it again.
Buying a car with a SORN? Tax doesn't transfer to a new keeper, so you must tax it before you drive it. Check that the name and address on the V5C match the seller's ID, and that the VIN matches the car. Our free check also shows MOT history and tax status, so you can see when it last ran and whether it's taxed.
Project cars can use the historic tax class. If your car was built over 40 years ago, it can use the historic tax class, which means no tax to pay. For anything else about your car's tax or insurance, check with the DVLA, your insurer or Citizens Advice.
Buying a car that's on SORN
Tax it before you drive it. A car on SORN can't go on public roads until it's taxed again, and tax doesn't transfer to a new keeper, so you'll need to tax it in your name first.
The MOT may have run out, too. Driving without a valid MOT can bring a fine of up to £1,000, so check the MOT history before you agree a price. A mileage drop between tests is the classic sign of clocking, so look for that as well. Our free MOT history check shows every test and the mileage at each one, with clocking warnings.
Sort insurance before you drive it. Cars on SORN don't need insurance, so the cover is yours to arrange. Ask your insurer what they need for a car that's been off the road, and don't drive it until you're covered.